Expansion joint for longitudinal load transfer

ABSTRACT

An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/046,924 for “Expansion Joint for Longitudinal Load Transfer,” filedFeb. 18, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference, and claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/272,837, filedDec. 30, 2015 for “Sealing expansion joint for longitudinal loadtransfer and method of manufacture,” which is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for creating adurable seal between adjacent panels, including those which may besubject to temperature expansion and contraction or mechanical shear.More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an expansionjoint design for supporting transfer loads.

Description of the Related Art

Construction panels come in many different sizes and shapes and may beused for various purposes, including roadways, sideways, and pre-caststructures, particularly buildings. Use of precast concrete panels forinterior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors, for example,relationship, forming a lateral gap or joint between adjacent panels toallow for independent movement, such in response to ambient temperaturevariations within standard operating ranges, building settling orshrinkage and seismic activity. Moreover, these joints are subject todamage over time. Most damage is from vandalism, wear, environmentalfactors and when the joint movement is greater, the seal may becomeinflexible, fragile or experience adhesive or cohesive failure. As aresult, “long lasting” in the industry refers to a joint likely to beusable for a period greater than the typical lifespan of five (5) years.Various seals have been created in the field.

Various seal systems and configurations have been developed forimposition between these panels to provide seals which provide one ormore of fire protection, waterproofing, sound and air insulation. Thistypically is accomplished with a seal created by imposition of multipleconstituents in the joint, such as silicone application, backer bars,and compressible foams.

Expansion joint system designs for situations requiring the support oftransfer loads have often required the use of rigid extruded rubber orpolymer glands. These systems lack the resiliency and seismic movementrequired in expansion joints. These systems have been further limited infunctioning as a fire resistant barrier, which is often a desiredfunction.

Other systems have incorporated cover plates that span the joint itself,often anchored to the concrete or attached to the expansion jointmaterial and which are expensive to supply and install. Additionally,cover plates that are higher than the deck or substrate level canpresent a hazard, such as tripping, an unnecessary impediment, such asto wheelchairs. Further, these systems require undesirable mechanicalattachment, which requires drilling into the deck or joint substrate.Cover plate systems that are not mechanically attached rely on supportor attachment to the expansion joint, thereby subject the expansionjoint system to continuous compression, expansion and tension on thebond line when force is applied to the cover plate, which shortens thelife of the joint system.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure therefore meets the above needs and overcomes oneor more deficiencies in the prior art by providing an expansion jointdesign for supporting transfer loads. In particular, the presentdisclosure provides an alternative to the load transfer of an extrudedgland or anchored cover plate, and does so without the movementlimitations of extruded glands, and without the potential compressionset, delamination or de-bonding found in these expansion joints.

The disclosure provides an expansion joint system comprising andelongated core of a resiliently compressible foam and one or moreincompressible longitudinal load-transfer members bonded to orintegrated into the elongated foam core.

Additional aspects, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription of the various embodiments and related drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the described features, advantages, andobjects of the disclosure, as well as others which will become apparent,are attained and can be understood in detail; more particulardescription of the disclosure briefly summarized above may be had byreferring to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in thedrawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to benoted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typicalpreferred embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope as the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 provides an end view of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides an end view of one embodiment of the present disclosureafter imposition between substrates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an end view of one embodiment of the expansionjoint system 100 of the present disclosure is provided. The system 100includes an elongated core 102 and at least one longitudinalload-transfer member 114 which are bonded together. The system 100provides an expansion joint system which can be used in standardapplications and in exposed, high traffic areas, which is preferablywater resistant.

The elongated core 102 is composed of resiliently compressible foam,which may be closed cell or open cell foam, or a combination thereof.The extent of compressibility may be selected based on the need. Ahigher compression is known to result in higher water resistance, butmay create difficulties in installation, and ultimately becomes socompressed as to lack flexibility or further compressibility, such as ata ratio of 5:1. The elongated core 102 may be compressible by 25%, ormay compress by 100% or as high as 400% so that the elongated core 102is one quarter of the elongated core lateral width 122. However, thehigher compression ratios negatively affect the functionality of thesystem 100 by, among other issues, reducing the movement of the system100 within the joint. As the joint cycles, the actual compression ratiowill change, so the optimum ratio should be selected. A 2:1 compressionratio may be used, but preferably not greater than 4:1. Lowercompression ratios are desirable, as these allow a full +/−50% movementversus −25%/+35% as found in products in the art. The elongated core 102includes an elongated core top 104, an elongated core bottom 108, anelongated core first side 101, and an elongated core second side 103. Anelongated core height 120 is defined intermediate the elongated core top104 and the elongated core bottom 108. This core height 120 may be ofconsistent with heights of systems known in the art, or may be shorterin light of the longitudinal load-transfer member 114, providing a moredesirable profile for use in the field. Both the elongated core firstside 101 and the elongated core second side 103 are generallyperpendicular to the elongated core top 104. An elongated core lateralwidth 122 is defined intermediate the elongated core first side 101 andthe elongated core second side 103. While the core 102 may be composedof a single piece of foam, the core 102 may be formed by lamination offoam members to one another, and/or, when present, to a support member112.

The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 is incompressible, but may berigid, semi-rigid or flexible in the vertical plane, i.e. a planeperpendicular to the first plane 308 and perpendicular to the elongatedcore longitudinal axis 202, to best transfer the load applied to thesystem 100 across the length of the elongated core 102. The longitudinalload-transfer member 114 is bonded to, or put into, the elongated foamcore 102 at the elongated core top 104 and is generally longitudinallyco-extensive. The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 has alongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width 124. While onelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 may be used, preferably aplurality, such as six, are bonded, in spaced apart positions, to theelongated core 102. The number of longitudinal load-transfer member 114is selected to provide maximum load transfer and, when desired, fireprotection, while not impeding the cycling of the system 100. Thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 may be post-tensioned by affixingthe end of a longitudinal load-transfer member 114 beyond the end of thecore 102 to the adjacent material.

The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 may also be rigid, semi-rigidor flexible in the horizontal plane, i.e the plane parallel to the firstplane 308, to restrict bending of the expansion joint core material.This reduces undesirable bending of the system 100 which may cause somesurface-bonded or coated intumescent materials to de-bond or de-laminatereducing or eliminating the fire-resistive properties.

The system 100 may further include, when desired, one or more supportmembers 112. Each support member 112 has a support member top 126, asupport member thickness 128, a support member first side 130, a supportmember second side 132, and a support member height 134. The use of thesupport members 112 support a flatter elongated core top 104 with betterdistribution of load and provides a lower trip hazard. The supportmembers 112 may be selected from sufficient material known in the art,including carbon fiber, fiberglass reinforced plastic, metal, or apolymer, which may be rigid or semi-flexible or flexible.

The support member thickness 128 is equivalent to, i.e. substantiallythe same thickness as, the longitudinal load-transfer member lateralwidth 124 and, when used, the support member 112 is positioned withinthe core 102, such that a support member top 126 is adjacent alongitudinal load-transfer member 114. The support member may bepositioned within a deeper elongated core top slot 154 in the elongatedcore 102. A core stop slot may be about 0.375 inches or may besubstantially more. When desired, the support member 112 may abut thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114, or may be joined to it. The loadapplied to the longitudinal load transfer member 114 is thereforetransferred to the support member 112. The support member height 134 isat least half the elongated core height 120, but may be equivalent to,or even equal to, i.e. substantially the same height or even the sameheight as, the elongated core height 120. While the entirety of the loadtransferred to the support member 112 may be transferred down to thefoam below, or any surface below the system 100, the support member 112may be bonded to the adjacent core 102 where support member first side130 and the support member second side 132 contact the foam members 110.This may be accomplished by an adhesive applied to the support member112. The core 102 may comprise a lamination of several foam members 110or a core 102 having separations along its body, i.e. slits orincisions, which separate the core 102 among several members 110. Thesesupport members 112 may be high durometer rubber or a rigid material,such as plastic or other materials known to those skilled in the art.Each support rod 114 is positioned directly above the support member112. The shape and composition of the support rod 114 may be selectedbased on material properties and needs.

Additionally, when desired, an elastomeric coating 106 may be adhered tothe elongated core 102 across the elongated core top 104 and atop thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114. The elastomeric coating 106 mayalso be adhered to the elongated core 102 across the elongated corebottom 108. The elastomer coating 106 may also be adhered to thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 when desired. The elastomericcoating 106 may be any desirable material, such as silicone or urethane,and may have characteristics selected for the particular use, such asbeing fire-rated. The elastomer coating 106 may therefore also containan intumescent. The elastomer 106 may be applied in strips or as acontinuous coating. The elastomeric coating 106 provides the trafficcontact point when the system 100 is installed in a joint. The system100 may be made at least partially symmetrical by also applying anelastomeric coating 107 to the bottom 108 of the core 102.

To better retain the longitudinal load-transfer member 114, theelongated core 102 may include an elongated core top slot 154 in theelongated core top 104, so that a longitudinal load-transfer member 114may be positioned in the elongated core top slot 154. The elongated coretop slot 154 may be any shape, may be selected to match the shape of thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114, or may be v-shaped, u-shaped, orrectangular. The shape of the elongated core top slot 154 may beselected to match the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinalload-transfer member 114, which may be any shape, such as rectangular,triangular, or conic. Further, the shape of the longitudinalload-transfer member 114 may be defined by the shape of the elongatedcore top slot 154, where the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 maybe formed in situ, by forming the longitudinal load-transfer member 114in the elongated core top slot 154 of a hardening material, such asepoxy. Because the elongated core top slot 154 is directly cut into theelongated core 102, a lower quantity of elastomer 106 may be required.

Alternatively, the support rod 114 may be formed by application of acoating, by injection, or by being filled into a profile on theelongated core 102 prior to compression. Alternatively, a graphite-basedfire retardant material 138 may be positioned between the support rod114 and the support member 112. These same support rods 114 and anygraphite member 116 may be positioned on the bottom 108 of the elongatedcore 102 to provide a partial symmetrical body.

Installation and maintenance of the system 100 may be furthered byadditional elements. To aid in installation, the elongated core 102 mayinclude an elongated beveled surface 148 adjacent the elongated corebottom 108 and the elongated core first side 101. To increase thesealing property of the system 100, an adhesive coating 136 may beapplied to the elongated core 102 on the elongated core first side 101.The elongated beveled surface 148 provides a tapered edge when notcompressed to facilitate installation. The gap in the joint occasionedby the lack of contact of the elongated beveled surface 148 and thesubstrate 302, 304 may be filed with materials selected for bonding,water resistance, and/or fire resistance such as epoxy or intumescent.

Similarly, the system 100 may include a tapered surface on the elongatedcore first side 101 near the elongated core top 104, which allows forgreater profile depth while still providing the desired support.

When further fire retardancy is desired, further elements may beincorporated into the system 100. A graphite-based fire retardantmaterial 138 may be positioned intermediate the longitudinalload-transfer member 114 and the support member 122. Further, a firstintumescent member 118 may be adhered to or embedded into the elongatedcore 102. The first intumescent member 118, such as expanding graphitestrips, has a first intumescent member first outer surface 142 and afirst intumescent member second outer surface 144. The first intumescentmember 118 is adhered to the elongated core 102 at the first intumescentmember second outer surface 144. When exposed to increased heat, thefirst intumescent member 118 expands, providing fire protection to theexpansion joint. To provide the fire resistance without impeding thecapability of the system 100, the first intumescent member 118 may beembedded in the core. This may be accomplished by providing a first corechannel 146 in the elongated core 102 in the elongated core first side101 along the entire length of the elongated core 102. More than onefirst intumescent member 118 may be utilized on a side.

Further, an elongated core channel 150 may be included in the elongatedcore 102 at the elongated core bottom 108, which may first provide aidin compression of the core 102, and which may include an intumescentand/or a hydrophilic rod 152 to provide water resistance, within it. Theintumescent and/or a hydrophilic rod 152 may be provided using methodsknown in the art, including by providing a solid material into theelongated core channel 150, by injecting a liquid material or by acreating a hollow intumescent and/or a hydrophilic rod 152 by coatingthe interior of the elongated core channel 150. The elongated corechannel 150 extending upward into elongated core 102 created by theelongated core channel 150 does not extend substantially into theelongated core 102, and provides a relieved inside section allowing forgreater movement and for easier installation. This elongated corechannel 150 reduces cross-section tension and compressive resistance.

The elongated core 102 may be treated with fire retardant additives, bymethods known in the art, such as infusion, impregnation and coating.Adhesives 136, elastomers 106, the longitudinal load-transfer members114, and the support members 112 may likewise be selected to providefire retardancy characteristics. The longitudinal load-transfer members114 and/or and the support members 112 may be constructed of intumescentmaterials.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of one embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The various components of the system 100 aregenerally co-extensive. The elongated core 102 has an elongated corelongitudinal axis 202 and the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 hasa longitudinal load-transfer member axis 206. The elongated corelongitudinal axis 202 and the longitudinal load-transfer member axis 206are parallel. The elongated core 102 has an elongated core longitudinallength 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 has alongitudinal load-transfer member length 208. The elongated corelongitudinal length 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member length208 are equivalent, i.e. substantially the same. Similarly, the firstintumescent member 118 has a first intumescent member length equivalentto, i.e. substantially the same as, the elongated core longitudinallength 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member length 208.Likewise, the intumescent 152 in the elongated core channel 150 and thesupport member 112 may be sized to be equivalent, i.e. substantially thesame as, in length to the core length 204. Alternatively, any of thesupport member 112, the intumescent member 118, and the intumescent 152in the elongated core channel 150 may be of length less than core length204, and may be composed of short, spaced apart segments. Theintumescent members 118 thus provide protection with spaced reactiontime based on the actual time-temperature exposure required.

Referring to FIG. 3, an end view of one embodiment of the expansionjoint system 100 of the present disclosure after imposition betweensubstrates is provided. The system 100 is intended for imposition undercompression between a first substrate 302 and a second substrate 304.The first substrate 302 and the second substrate 304 are substantiallyco-planar with a first plane 308 and the first substrate 302 is distantthe second substrate 304 by a first distance 306. Each of the substrates302, 304 present a face 310, 312 perpendicular to the first plane 308,against which the system 100 applies force. The longitudinalload-transfer member lateral width 124 is not more than one-fourth thefirst distance 306. When installed, the system 100 takes on a bellowsprofile such that the longitudinal load-transfer members 114 are foundin, or below, each valley. The valley may be of any depth, and may beone-half inch in depth. The longitudinal load-transfer members may beimposed below the elongated top core 104 when desired. Similarly, theelongated core top 104 may be sculpted to present a bellows profilebefore installation to better promote the bellows profile afterinstallation. To provide a uniform bellows profile, when the elongatedcore 102 is formed of a plurality of foam members 110, each of the foammembers 110 may be of uniform width. The bellows profile may begenerated by the application of the elastomer 106. Alternatively, thewidth of a foam member 110 may be selected so the system 100 providesthe support rods 114, and the associated support members 112, areconcentrated at the traffic point of contact. As a result, the width ofribs, the width of the foam member 110 may be 0.375 inches each, but maybe substantially thinner, such as 0.125 inches, or substantially more,such as 0.5 inches. As a result, the system 100 allows for the necessarymovement associated with the joint, i.e. full movement, withoutrestricting expansion and contraction. This may be, for example, aminimum 50% movement. Beneficially, the structure of the presentdisclosure may provide a bellows profile with a flatter top on theexposed surface in comparison to the prior art, which presents arounded, profile with a peak of crown and tapered edges.

The shallower depth afforded from the supporting rods 114 permits use infire rated applications where quick initial intumescent protection isrequired. The bellows profile may provide a thinner system 100, whichprovides the further benefit of a lighter weight. Unlike comparablesystems which lack the supporting rods 114 and which are rated formovement of −25%/+35% without a cover plate in wide joints, the presentdisclosure provides a system capable of +/−50% in wider joints.

Upon insertion and initial expansion of the system 100 into a joint inthe field, the adhesive 136 bonds to the adjacent joint substrate 302,304. The adhesive 136 remains intact and bonded until the intumescentmembers 118 react to heat and expand. The adhesive 136 provides anecessary function as the lack of bonding between the system 100 and thejoint substrate 302, 304 and about each intumescent members 118 willpermit the system 100 to be pushed away from the joint substrate 302,304 upon activation of an intumescent members 118, exposing thesubstrate 302, 304 and undesirably allowing hot gas to flame topenetrate into the joint.

The present invention provides a high density linear support profile atits top. The elastomer 106 and the profile shape of the core 102increases the compression force on the foam at the point of contact.Preferably, the compression is in the ratio original to final of 2:1 to4.5:1. As illustrated, the present disclosure provides a flatter top onthe exposed surface compared to the typical bellow profile, which isrounded and has a peak or crown with tapered edges, presenting a taperedsurface 156. A tapered surface 156, adjacent the elongated core firstside 101 and the elongated core top 104, allows for greater profiledepth while still providing the desired support function. From testing,a profile depth of 0.125 to 0.5 inches provides the desired results.

The composite of the core 102, which readily expands and compresseslaterally in response to movement by the adjacent substrates, and thelongitudinal load-transfer members 114, which add resistive force to atop loaded weight by distributing the load through tension andconcentrated mass to the core, produces an expansion joint system whichcan have less deflection and can handle transfer loads unlike typicalpre-compressed or compressible foam expansion joints and therebyprovides a greater range of joint size and movement than has beenpreviously possible without a traditional cover plate.

In operation, the system 100 provides a resistive force to the toploaded weight by distributing the load over a wider area through thebonded support material to provide a secondary wear surface for theexpansion joint.

The system 100 may be supplied in continuous lengths equal to the lengthof the installation joint or alternatively in shorter segments, with orwithout alternating or overlapping strips or rods to be adhesivelybonded in place with the same material that is used to attached to theexpansion joint core or if in contact with the substrate embed in theadhesive or intumescent or regular epoxy. Precut lengths equal to thedesired installation joint are desirable at joints are eliminated assplicing is eliminated, but this may not be possible. However, multiplesystems 100 may be joined together to provide for longer lengths.

Additional sections of the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 and/orthe support member 112 can be attached in the field to provide acomplete union at splices between factory supplied lengths of theinvention. While the elastomer and foam, being softer, are subject toindentation compression from being rolled prior to installation, thesupport rods 114 offset this tendency, and therefore permit wider jointswith greater movement without the need of a cover plate. Systems knownin the art, for example, must address the difficulty of a regular jointwith a thick silicone coating having a lower indentation recovery andbeing more easily compressed downward into the joint.

Where manufactured by coating a thicker longitudinal material, thethicker longitudinal material can be coated and supplied in one or morelengths or as a single unit. Where manufactured by injection, thematerial will be injected in a precise, longitudinal line/area in one ormore lengths or rolls. The preferred method of injection of rigidthermoplastic materials is with a CNC controlled device such as acommercially available Statasys Dimension BST 3D printer head or other2D or 3D controlled device to allow for uniform and repeatable injectiondepths and speed of thermoplastic and other materials injectedmaterials. The use of the CNC controlled injection into the foam coreand onto the profile foam surface 3D printing is not limited to therigid or thermoplastic longitudinal support materials but can use thesame type of 3D printing system and a different dispensing head or usinga CNC controlled dispensing head to uniformly coat or inject thefunctional adhesive or sealant at a precise thickness or depth. It hasbeen found that variations in application from lot to lot will yieldvariable results in the strength and compressibility of the foam core.The invention is not limited in this regard as adhesive, bonding agentsand sealants used in the system can be applied manually or by othersuitable method. CNC precision is preferred in this application as itprovides more consistent results. In the case of filling the expansionjoint, the core material would be cut or profiled, typically by a 3D CNCfoam cutting machine such that there would be longitudinal valleys orreservoirs that, at specific widths, and depths would be filled with arigid or semi-rigid support material. The foam core profile can also becut by manual or other methods without varying from the spirit of thisinvention. Alternatively, any combination of coating or filling caninclude an additional support material such a carbon fiber, fiberglassreinforced plastic strips, metal or other type of cable (preferablynon-corrosive or rustproof) or a rigid or semi-flexible or flexiblepolymer rod. The space and thickness is determined by the joint widthand movement requirements.

The present disclosure provided advantages over the prior art. Thedisclosure provides for load transfer without a cover plate attached tothe substrate or expansion joint.

Beneficially, the present disclosure does so with lower associated costsand without the limitations that plague the prior art.

The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatorythereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated constructionmay be made within the scope of the appended claims without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only belimited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

I claim:
 1. An expansion joint system for imposition under compressionbetween a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrateand the second substrate being substantially co-planar with a firstplane, the first substrate being distant the second substrate by a firstdistance, comprising: an elongated core, the elongated core composed ofa resiliently compressible foam, the elongated core having an elongatedcore longitudinal axis, the elongated core having an elongated corelongitudinal length, the elongated core having an elongated core top,the elongated core having an elongated core bottom, the elongated corehaving an elongated core height intermediate the elongated core top andthe elongated core bottom, the elongated core having an elongated corefirst side, the elongated core first side being generally perpendicularto the elongated core top, the elongated core having an elongated coresecond side, the elongated core second side being generallyperpendicular to the elongated core top; the elongated core having anelongated core lateral width, the elongated core lateral widthconfigured to be greater than the first distance prior to imposition,and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member being incompressible, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member having a longitudinal load-transfermember axis, the elongated core longitudinal axis and the longitudinalload-transfer member axis being parallel, the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member having longitudinal load-transfer member length,the elongated core longitudinal length and longitudinal load-transfermember length being equivalent, the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member bonded to the elongated foam core at the elongatedcore top, the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member having alongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width, wherein thelongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width is not more thanone-fourth the first distance; and wherein the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member is proximate a middlemost portion of the elongatedfoam core between the elongated core first side and the elongated coresecond side.
 2. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one longitudinal load-transfer member resists bending of theelongated foam core at the elongated core top without debonding.
 3. Theexpansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member and the elongated foam core resist delamination. 4.The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member and the elongated foam core comprise alamination.
 5. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one longitudinal load-transfer member transfers loads to theelongated foam core at the elongated core top without debonding.
 6. Theexpansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member is rigid in a plane perpendicular to the firstplane and perpendicular to the elongated core longitudinal axis.
 7. Theexpansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member is flexible in a plane perpendicular to the firstplane and perpendicular to the elongated core longitudinal axis.
 8. Theexpansion joint system of claim 7, wherein the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member is rigid in a plane parallel to the first plane. 9.The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member is rigid in a plane parallel to thefirst plane.
 10. The expansion joint system of claim 1 wherein theelongated core comprises a plurality of members laminated together. 11.An expansion joint system for imposition under compression between afirst substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and thesecond substrate being substantially co-planar with a first plane, thefirst substrate being distant the second substrate by a first distance,comprising: an elongated core, the elongated core composed of aresiliently compressible foam, the elongated core having an elongatedcore longitudinal axis, the elongated core having an elongated corelongitudinal length, the elongated core having an elongated core top,the elongated core having an elongated core bottom, the elongated corehaving an elongated core height intermediate the elongated core top andthe elongated core bottom, the elongated core having an elongated corefirst side, the elongated core first side being generally perpendicularto the elongated core top, the elongated core having an elongated coresecond side, the elongated core second side bring generallyperpendicular to the elongated core top; the elongated core having anelongated core lateral width, the elongated core lateral widthconfigured to be greater than the first distance prior to imposition,and at least six longitudinal load-transfer members, each of the atleast six longitudinal load-transfer members being incompressible, eachof the at least six longitudinal load-transfer members having alongitudinal load-transfer member axis, the elongated core longitudinalaxis and the longitudinal load-transfer member axis of each of the atleast six longitudinal load-transfer members being parallel, each of theat least six longitudinal load-transfer members having a longitudinalload-transfer member length, the elongated core longitudinal length andthe longitudinal load-transfer member length of each of the at least sixlongitudinal load-transfer members being equivalent, each of the atleast six longitudinal load-transfer members bonded to the elongatedfoam core at the elongated core top, each of the at least sixlongitudinal load-transfer members having a longitudinal load-transfermember lateral width, wherein the longitudinal load-transfer memberlateral width of each of the at least six longitudinal load-transfermembers is not more than one-fourth the first distance.
 12. Theexpansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the elongated core includesan elongated core top slot in the elongated core top, and wherein the atleast one longitudinal load-transfer member is positioned in theelongated core top slot.
 13. An expansion joint system for impositionunder compression between a first substrate and a second substrate, thefirst substrate and the second substrate being substantially co-planarwith a first plane, the first substrate being distant the secondsubstrate by a first distance, comprising: an elongated core, theelongated core composed of a resiliently compressible foam, theelongated core having an elongated core longitudinal axis, the elongatedcore having an elongated core longitudinal length, the elongated corehaving an elongated core top, the elongated core having an elongatedcore bottom, the elongated core having an elongated core heightintermediate the elongated core top and the elongated core bottom, theelongated core having an elongated core first side, the elongated corefirst side being generally perpendicular to the elongated core top, theelongated core having an elongated core second side, the elongated coresecond side being generally perpendicular to the elongated core top; theelongated core having an elongated core lateral width, the elongatedcore lateral width configured to be greater than the first distanceprior to imposition, and three longitudinal load-transfer members, eachof the three longitudinal load-transfer members being incompressible,each of the three longitudinal load-transfer members having alongitudinal load-transfer member axis, each of the elongated corelongitudinal axes and the longitudinal load-transfer member axes beingparallel, each of the three longitudinal load-transfer members having alongitudinal load-transfer member length, each of the three longitudinalload-transfer members bonded to the elongated foam core at the elongatedcore top, each of the three longitudinal load-transfer members spacedapart between the elongated core first side and the elongated coresecond side, each of the three longitudinal load-transfer members havinga longitudinal load-transfer member lateral width, wherein thelongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width is not more thanone-fourth the first distance.
 14. The expansion joint system of claim13 wherein a first of the three longitudinal load-transfer members and athird of the three longitudinal load-transfer members are equivalentlydistant from a second of the three longitudinal load-transfer members.15. The expansion joint system of claim 13, wherein the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member is proximate a middlemost portion ofthe elongated foam core between the elongated core first side and theelongated core second side.
 16. The expansion joint system of claim 13,wherein the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member resistsbending of the elongated foam core at the elongated core top withoutdebonding.
 17. The expansion joint system of claim 13, wherein the atleast one longitudinal load-transfer member and the elongated foam coreresist delamination.
 18. The expansion joint system of claim 13, whereinthe at least one longitudinal load-transfer member and the elongatedfoam core comprise a lamination.
 19. The expansion joint system of claim13, wherein the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member transfersloads to the elongated foam core at the elongated core top withoutdebonding.